What Is A Clevis Joint And How Does It Work

  • By Profab /
  • November 5, 2025

A clevis joint helps connect two parts. It lets them move or turn at an angle. It is usually a U-shaped piece with two arms and a pin. Many machines use this joint for easy movement and strong links. You can see it in tractor hydraulics, big machines, or car brakes. Knowing how these joints work helps you choose better parts.

Table of Contents

Clevis Joint Definition and Function

What is a Clevis Joint

clevis ends

A clevis joint is a special part that connects two pieces in a machine. You will see a U-shaped bracket with two arms, called forks. These arms have holes for a pin. The pin holds another part, like a rod with a loop, between the forks. This setup lets the parts move or turn around the pin. In mechanical engineering, people use the clevis joint to let two parts move at an angle or pivot smoothly.

How a Clevis Joint Works

The clevis joint works by letting the connected parts rotate or pivot around the pin. The U-shaped bracket gives a stable base. The pin acts as the center of rotation. The mating part fits between the forks and moves as needed.

The clevis joint uses a simple but smart way to handle force. When you tighten the pin, it clamps the parts together. This grip creates friction, which helps carry the load. The joint often works in double shear, which means the load spreads across two planes. This makes the connection strong and safe.

You also get two degrees of freedom with a clevis joint. This means the parts can move in two ways—up and down, or side to side. The low-friction design, sometimes with special bearings, lets the parts move smoothly. This helps the joint last longer and work better.

Clevis Joint Components

Forks and Pin

When you look at a clevis joint, you see two main parts: the forks and the pin. The forks form a U-shape and hold the pin in place. The pin fits through the holes in the forks and connects the moving part.

The pin does more than just hold things together. It lets you detach and rotate parts when needed. The pin also handles forces that push across its length. Engineers design the pin to resist bending and shearing. You can trust the pin to keep the joint safe during heavy use.

  • Clevis pins make it easy to connect and disconnect parts.
  • They transfer forces that act sideways to the pin.
  • The clearance between the pin and the holes helps the joint move smoothly.

Mating Component

The mating component fits between the forks and connects to the pin. You might use a rod end, a linkage piece, or a direction offset compensator. Each type helps the joint move in a certain way or handle special loads. You can choose from different materials, such as zinc-plated steel or stainless steel, to match your needs.

The way the mating component fits with the forks affects how well the joint works. A good fit gives you a secure, flexible, and long-lasting connection. Some designs let the joint move a little to absorb stress from wind or heat. Materials that resist rust and wear help the joint last longer, even outdoors.

Shear Load Transmission

The clevis joint carries loads by spreading force across the pin and forks. When you use the joint, the pin takes most of the sideways force. The strength of the pin and the shape of the forks decide how much load the joint can handle before it fails.

  • The material and shape of the joint affect how the load spreads.
  • A strong pin helps share the load evenly across the forks.
  • If the pin is weak, most of the force stays near the shear planes.

You need to check the pin and forks for signs of wear or bending. A well-designed clevis joint keeps your machine safe and working for a long time.

Clevis Joint Types

clevis rod end types

Standard Clevis Joint

The standard clevis joint is used in many machines. It has a U-shaped bracket and a pin. You can connect or remove parts fast. Here are some places you might see it:

  • In cars and trucks, it helps with brakes and clutches. It is also used for throttle controls, trailer hitches, and tow bars.
  • On farms, it connects tools to tractors and hydraulic arms.
  • In building and factories, it links cables, chains, and hooks on cranes.
  • On boats, it connects turnbuckles and shackles. Stainless steel is used to stop rust.
  • For repairs and DIY, it helps make custom pivots and linkages.

This joint gives strong and flexible connections in many jobs.

Threaded Clevis Rod Ends

A threaded clevis joint is more secure and stable. The pin or body has threads you can screw in. This makes the fit tighter and holds better.

You use a threaded clevis joint to stop the pin from slipping out. The pin can have threads all over or just partway. This keeps everything together during hard work.

Quick-Release Clevis

A quick-release clevis joint is good for fast changes. You can use one hand to open or close it. This saves time when you need to connect or remove parts a lot. It is great for repairs, service jobs, or when speed is important. The quick-release design helps you work faster and get less tired.

Applications and Benefits

  • Automotive & Transportation: Steering Linkages、Brake & Clutch Linkages
  • Aerospace & Aviation：Flight Control Systems、Landing Gear Mechanisms
  • Heavy Machinery & Construction：Hydraulic Cylinders、Boom and Arm Articulation
  • Industrial & Manufacturing：Control and Automation Linkages、Robotics
  • Agriculture：Tractor Hitches and Implements

Advantages of Clevis Joints

When a clevis end is made from stainless steel, it offers key advantages, particularly in environments where corrosion is a concern:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel, especially grades like 316 (common in marine applications), has a high resistance to rust, oxidation, and corrosion from moisture, saltwater, and chemicals.
  • Durability and Strength: Rod clevis provides high tensile strength It is durable enough to withstand the linear and shear forces common in clevis applications.
  • Longevity: The resistance to degradation means the part has a very long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Conclusion

In summary, a clevis joint is a simple yet vital mechanical linkage. It enables controlled movement and strong load transfer between connected parts. Clevis joints is essential in applications ranging from marine and industrial machinery. Profab specializes in manufacturing precision stainless clevis ends with tight tolerances and corrosion-resistant finishes. Whether you need standard sizes or custom-engineered designs, Profab delivers reliable solutions that enhance your equipment’s strength, safety, and efficiency.

clevis rod end supplier- profab machine

FAQ

Which material should you choose for a clevis joint?

You pick the material based on your environment and load. Stainless steel resists rust. Alloy steel handles heavy loads. Aluminum works for light jobs.

You inspect the joint for wear or rust. You clean the parts. You apply lubricant to the pin. You replace damaged pins or forks. Regular checks help your joints last longer.

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